The Cincinnati Reds have activated outfielder Austin Hays from the 10-day injured list, making room for him by placing Jake Fraley on the same list retroactively to June 24. Fraley is facing a challenging situation with a partial tear of his right labrum, as he disclosed in conversations with reporters, although the Reds have officially categorized his injury as a right shoulder sprain.
This injury could potentially sidelined Fraley for an extended period or even the rest of the season. He is currently seeking a third opinion regarding his shoulder, which has caused him problems for some time. Fraley previously dealt with right shoulder soreness during the 2021 season as a member of the Mariners and has experienced persistent discomfort since, with a recent incident during a game escalating his symptoms.
Fraley attempted a diving catch against Cody Bellinger, which he suspects may have led to the tear, although he completed the game against the Yankees afterward. “This is something new with the tear in the front,” he mentioned, highlighting the need for a thorough assessment of his injury as he weighs options for treatment while considering his career longevity.
Throughout his career, injuries have been a consistent theme for Fraley, particularly this season where he has already spent time on the IL due to other health issues, including a calf injury in May. His performance at the plate has been a mix of promise and struggle; while his walk rates and hard-contact numbers have improved compared to last year, his batting average on balls in play (BABIP) has dropped notably.
The Reds, while facing some depth concerns in the outfield with Fraley’s absence, still have options in TJ Friedl, Will Benson, and Gavin Lux. With the team aiming to improve their overall offensive performance, Hays’ return could provide a much-needed boost. However, Hays himself has had his share of injuries this season, suggesting that he may need to split time as the designated hitter.
Looking ahead to the trade deadline, the Reds are in a competitive situation sitting fourth in the NL Central but only five games off the division lead and two games away from the final NL wild card spot. This positions them as potential buyers before the July 31 deadline, as bolstering their outfield could enhance their chances for the remainder of the season. The Reds’ management will likely need to take proactive steps to address these challenges and maximize their playoff opportunities.